This Week

feels a bit hurried! And it's just Monday morning - I don't think that's a good thing. I had fun over the weekend, out by myself shopping - I met Marie and Pamela down at Tom and Lucy's Art Shoppe, and started Christmas shopping for my kids! I know - I have a bit (LOT) of shopping to do!

We are hosting Thanksgiving with a few friends, everyone is bringing a few favorite dishes to ensure a true feast. Joe is in charge of the turkey this year, we will brine and fry it outside. Then mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green salad, fresh cranberry sauce, and an indulgent chocolate bread pudding. You all need to try that bread pudding!

Chocolate Bread Pudding from Joy of Cooking

Serves 10-12
1 pound challah, brioche or other light egg bread. (Our bakery sells a loaf that works great!)
1 C heavy cream
3/4 C sugar
1/8 tsp salt
12 oz bitter or semi sweet chocolate, chopped (I've used 11.5 oz of Ghirardelli chips, no chopping)
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 C whole milk
1 Tbsp vanilla

1. Cut your loaf of bread into 1/2 inch chunks, keep the crumb, not the crust. You should have 6-7 cups, set aside.
2. Bring cream, sugar and salt to a boil while stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat, then add chocolate.
4. Let it stand for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and yolks, then add milk and vanilla.
6. Whisk in the chocolate mixture, then stir in the bread.
Let it stand for 1 to 2 hours, gently pressing and stirring occasionally to help absorb all the liquid.
7. Preheat the oven to 325F
8. Generously butter/spray a shallow 2 quart baking dish, and pour in the pudding mixture.
9. Bake in a water bath(a second pan, filled with warm water about half way up your baking dish) until the center feels firm - 55 - 65 minutes. Let it cool a bit before serving with whipped cream, cool-whip or a sauce of your choice! Refrigerate any leftovers.

I wish I had a picture of the bread pudding, so yummy and rich. Perfect to go with the rest of our feast and the other desserts being baked up :) It's easy enough to bake anytime too, but be sure to share - it's a lot!

The winner of Saving Sammy has been announced, and I just received another book to review in January! Someone asked how I have time to read -- if I don't take a few minutes off of the computer or sewing machine before bed, I can't fall asleep - no matter how tired I am! My brain needs a little bit of wind down time.

I am planning to update my last post with more book suggestions today - I think it is such a great reference for everyone! Thank you for sharing.

One last thing -- Have you noticed the fabric shops sponsoring my blog!? Some of my favorites - and I'm so excited that they would want to be on my sidebar - check them out for all your fabric needs (and wants)!

Happy Monday~
Amy

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